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Plans to secure land to build a new highway that would link Bradford and Kirklees have taken a step forward.

Calderdale Council 's cabinet has been asked to vote on the approval of compulsory powers to purchase the sites for the A641 improvement scheme.

The authority has partnered with Bradford Council to bring the scheme, which is funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, to fruition.

The project aims to relieve congestion and improve junction safety, traffic lights and crossings.

'Critical step'

Councillor Scott Patient said: "This is a critical step forward for delivering the scheme, which will help unlock the potential of this part of the borough."

The current A641 carries more than 20,000 vehicles per day and suffers from heavy congestion.

The council stressed that legal powers to buy the land earmarked for the road extension would only be invoked as a "last resort" if acquisition agreements were not reached.

The area assigned to the scheme is from Bailiff Bridge through Brighouse and meets the Calderdale-Kirklees boundary next to the M62.

Proposals have been developed using feedback from consultation and engagement with local people and organisations, councillors were told.

The 5 August meeting of the cabinet will also discuss plans for a new canal bridge to be built over the Calder and Hebble Navigation at Brighouse.

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